Freezing Parrot

Here goes my attempt at a build log. I just finished the Artesania Swift, and looking back, I wish I kept a log for that build. Better late than never. As expected, the Lady Nelson kit seems to be very good quality, and the five detailed sheets of visual instructions are fantastic.

Following the advice on another build log, I numbered each piece with pencil, and am only removing parts as I need them.

The keel looks to be nice and straight, so I glued on the bulkheads using Titebond wood glue, which I put in an empty medicine bottle and applied with a cheap artist's brush. For now I left off the sternmost bulkhead.

The instructions recommend fairing the first and last bulkheads and the "plank termination patterns" (they need to come up with a simpler name for those) before glueing them on. I was going to, but had a hard time visualizing where and how much to sand off them ahead of time. I may have made more work for myself, but it will be easier for me to see what to remove if I can see the entire structure. I think.

These pics were with my phone, but I'll switch to a real camera for the rest. Hopefully they'll come out better. Now if the glue would just dry faster...

Thanks, Allan! Yeah, I realized after looking at what's available that I could easily bite off more than I could chew. These forums helped a lot with decision making, especially the "What do you build first" thread in "Wood Model Ship Kits". Without all of you here, I'd definitely be adrift in shark-infested waters!

Greetings from the Finger Lakes region of New York State (about 5 or 6 hours NW of New York City). I've decided to actually participate in this community instead of just skulking behind piles of old fishing nets and empty rum barrels. 

When COVID locked me in the hold with nothing to do, I tried to find a hobby that would interest me, and came across this forum and the many amazing models that you all have built. I'm a carpenter and woodworker, and built model cars as a kid, so I decided to try model ships. I bought the Artesania Swift pilot boat and finished building it a week or so ago. Even before the planking was finished, I was hooked. 

I planned to build the brig Supply next, but decided to take a smaller bite by building the Lady Nelson. This time I'm going to keep a build log, and try to give back by passing along my trials, tribulations, and occasional successes. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the other build logs and the experience and wisdom shared therein. I hope to contribute in some small way. 

Wish me luck as I cast off!

Mike